The report states that Jules Niles attacked two Gunners staff members after a meeting at the club’s training facility, with police being called to the scene.

Despite the controversy, Wenger has publicly backed the 17-year-old and his conduct whilst on the club’s books.

The French manager stated that he was not concerned over the matter and that Maitland-Niles had always conducted himself well.

"It is basically a private matter that I don't know really well about because I don't know what happened, but I know Ainsley very well and he has my complete support because he is a good boy and I am sure his mother wants a great future for him and to help him," said Wenger.

"There are some incidents that I don't know well and I don't know why, but the boy has a perfect behaviour inside our club. There are many times in the week with me in training.”

Maitland-Niles joined the North London club’s youth academy at the age of six and has progressed through the ranks since.

The teenager has made one Premier League appearance, against Newcastle in December and also made his debut in the Champions League against Galatasaray.

Gareth McKnight

I am a freelance football journalist from Northern Ireland, currently living and working from Broome in Western Australia. After a degree in sports journalism from the University of Stirling in Scotland, I started in the online football world and have worked for leading websites and media outlets since. My knowledge and passion is based around the Premier League and European football, but I also have a soft spot for the Australian A-League.